“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet and provide a Christmas present for their children, we felt the (need) to step up and fill the void,” said Travis Tibbetts, West Covina police detective and president of the police officers association.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to represent our community and provide these families with a reminder that West Covina is a community and we’re proud to be a partner.”

The family of Helen Valenzuela, 52, was one of those that received gifts.

“The mayor came out, the councilman came out, the Police Department came out,” said Valenzuela, who is helping raise five grandchildren ages 2 to 12. “I’m just overwhelmed. We want to thank them so much.”